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The characteristics of a mineral that enables us to distinguish it from
other substances are known as properties. Mineral properties can include
color, hardness, specific gravity, streak, luster
and even taste. Certain properties are characteristic of certain
minerals, which makes identification easier. For example, a salty taste
is usually halite. However, most minerals require several properties to
identify it. So it is important to learn the logic of mineral
identification.
Whenever a geologist picks up a specimen, there are some logical
steps that they consider. They try and eliminate a group of minerals
quickly by performing simple tests. Let’s go through a situation of
identification and then we will learn in detail some of these
characteristics.
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Calcite - non-metallic luster
Copper - metallic luster
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